Throughout the world, Huskies are famous for their thick coats and strong bodies. They are also widely used for pulling sleds in countries with extremely harsh winters. Huskies were introduced to the public in the 1920s and ever since have become a common household breed among many. Unfortunately, thousands of Husky lovers out there are allergic to animals’ fur and dander and find it impossible to keep one despite being dedicated Husky lovers.
Why Are Some People Allergic to Pets?
Pet allergies are common throughout the world, especially among people who already have asthma. People can either be allergic to animals’ skin cells, urine, saliva, or fur. Our immune system has antibodies that help in fighting unwanted invaders and protects us from having infections and allergies. Similarly, some animals have such proteins in their skin cells, urine, saliva, or fur that may be unusual for our immune system; hence, they react negatively to such substances.
The main question that needs to be answered is, “are Huskies hypoallergenic?” If not, what are the precautionary measures people prone to allergies can take before adopting their favorite animal? After thorough research, we have compiled some important factors for all the Husky lovers out there.
Pet Allergy Symptoms
The most common pet allergy symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Swollen throat
- Constant sneezing
- Red bumps on the skin
Are Huskies Hypoallergenic?
Dogs can’t be completely hypoallergenic. It’s impossible for pets not to shed at all. However, some may shed more comparatively, while others may have more allergy symptoms—depending on the kind of breed.
There is a common misconception that animals’ fur is the real cause for allergies in humans which is somewhat true, but interestingly, it is the dried flakes known as dander on the fur that causes pet allergies.
Huskies have thick and double hair coats that shed twice a year; hence they are not hypoallergenic as they require a lot of grooming, brushing, and maintenance.
Are Huskies Bad For People Prone to Allergies?
With all the shedding and extra fur, Huskies can be harmful to people prone to allergies. However, it completely depends on the people, and the kind of Husky they own. Some people are overly sensitive, and would react more negatively to Husky’s dander and fur than others.
How Can You Prevent an Allergic Reaction from Your Husky?
It is clear that we cannot completely avoid pet allergies but can take precautionary measures to ensure as minimal effect as we can. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent any serious allergic reactions from arising at your home.
Groom Your Husky Regularly
Like every other dog, Huskies too requires proper grooming as well. Having pet allergies should not stop you from grooming your Husky. All you need to do is to groom your buddy regularly and frequently.
If you cannot do it yourself, you can hire someone who can take care of your pet and its hygiene, or you can even assign the duties to someone from your family who is not allergic to pets. If you live in a cold environment, your Husky will do just fine. Get them brushed regularly and keep them groomed, and the chances of them giving you allergies will be minimal.
Have Separate Areas and Rooms for Your Husky
If you have pet allergies, you need to keep your Huskies in places where you don’t spend much time. Most importantly, keep your Huskies away from your bedrooms. The best idea is to keep your dog outside most of the time, preferably in your yard—if you have one, that is. The natural air outside would blow out the excess Husky fur, and the dander gets mixed with the air, minimizing the chances of your encounter with allergens. Huskies love being outdoors as well. That said, make sure you also provide your dog with all the physical and emotional necessities it needs.
Bathe Your Husky Only 4 Times Per Year
The more you bathe your Husky, the more hair loss it may have as shampoo dries out the hair. In fact, bathing too much can give a boost to your allergies, so make sure to bathe your Husky only four times a year. This way, the skin won’t dry out, and your Husky won’t be scratching and licking itself out of dryness because all this licking and scratching can be bad for you as saliva contains dander as well.
Use Air Purifiers
If you have pet allergies, using an air purifier can be the best option for you. A good air purifier eliminates about 99% of dander/allergens from the air.
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Keep the Environment Clean
A neat and clean environment is the key to a healthy life. You need to keep your house clean and safe from all the fur and dander. Vacuum every day. Dusting and moping are also very important. Also, keep your doors and windows open while vacuuming so that you can let some fresh air in and the chances of your encounter with allergens get less. At the same time, don’t forget to clean your Husky’s bed at least once a week.
Visit Your Doctor
Visit your doctor, he may help you with allergies. With proper medication and prescription, you can cope with pet allergies super quickly. Your doctor may even advise you on keeping a Husky.